Thursday, April 12, 2007The Interactive Advertising Bureau Launches Professional Development

Responds to Industry-wide Need for Interactive Education and Training

NEW YORK, NY (April 12, 2007) - The Interactive Advertising Bureau today announced the launch of its new Professional Development series focused on educating media, marketing and agency professionals on the latest Interactive platforms that are reshaping the world of marketing. The IAB Professional Development series will feature best-in-class experts who will provide training to those in the industry and those transitioning from the traditional industry on how to take full advantage of the myriad opportunities available in the digital ecosystem.

"With the extraordinary growth of interactive and its transformation of the media and marketing landscape, it is incumbent upon the industry to provide the highest level education, training and support from entry-level to seasoned executive," said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO of the IAB. "The IAB is committed to helping organizations attract, develop and retain top talent".

The first modules, including "Interactive 101" and "Big Ideas from Transaction to Transformation" launch on May 17 in New York with subsequent programs in Chicago and San Francisco. The curriculum was developed in conjunction with and is led by Doug Weaver, President of Upstream Group.

"Interactive 101", designed for entry level professionals, will include discussions around the divergent worlds of search, display and digital video as well as understanding ROI in the digital environment.

"Big Ideas: From Transaction to Transformation," for more seasoned professionals, will discuss the rapidly evolving and often-contradictory forces that are reshaping the Interactive advertising landscape.

"We are extremely pleased that the IAB is launching Professional Development and the initial program is certainly something Dow Jones will utilize," said Brian Quinn, VP, Advertising Sales and Marketing, Dow Jones Online.

As the IAB Professional Development program evolves, the IAB will continue to research the needs of our ever-changing marketplace and collaborate with experts to develop a world-class curriculum that serves and builds the industry.

"This is just the beginning of what will become a comprehensive offering of education and training for our industry," said Jonathan Moore, VP Events and Education, IAB. "Our objective is to create a Professional Development program that addresses the subject matter needs of all our constituents including advertisers, agencies and media companies."

Founded in 1996, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) represents over 300 leading interactive companies that are actively engaged in, and support the sale of Interactive advertising. IAB members are responsible for selling over 86% of online advertising in the United States. On behalf of its members, the IAB evaluates and recommends standards and practices, fields Interactive effectiveness research and educates the advertising industry regarding the use of interactive advertising. For more information, please visit www.iab.net.